"I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no
vise and let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of
justice is not virtue." — Barry Goldwater, 1964 Republican nominee for president

"I promise to defend and observe the Constitutional liberties
embodied in the Bill of Rights for all American citizens by
example, persuasion, and force of arms if necessary." — From the oath of office for the Free Militia

2.1.1 Who, what, when, where, why, and how?

Who is the Free Militia?

The Free Militia is composed of private citizens who carry on
normal civilian lives. While some members may have former police or
military experience, they are presently civilians simply exercising
their right to keep and bear arms and form militias.

What is the Free Militia?

The Free Militia is a locally organized body of armed American
citizens committed to defending their Constitutional liberties. We
call it "free" for two reasons. First, it is free or independent
from the control of any local, state, or federal government.
Second, our whole purpose is to defend our freedoms. So, the Free
Militia acts freely to defend freedom.

We also call it a "militia" for two reasons. First, we are a
military organization. Our purpose is, if necessary, to defend our
liberties by force of arms. Second, we are a militia in the sense
that we are composed of private citizens instead of professional
soldiers. Hence, the Free Militia is a combat team of private
citizens.

The name Free Militia was selected partly to describe what we
are. But the terms were also carefully chosen to conform to the
language of the Second Amendment to indicate our intentions are
Constitutionally legal. "A well regulated militia being necessary
to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep
and bear arms shall not be infringed."

The Free Militia is an independent, organized group of private
citizens who are armed and ready to fight for their Constitutional
rights and liberties.

When will the Free Militia fight?

The Free Militia's "agenda" is the Bill of Rights. Our purpose
is solely to defend these rights for ourselves and our neighbors.
We will mobilize and fight as a militia only when these rights are
seriously and intentionally threatened or denied. As a result,
there are several things we are not:

We are not aggressors. It is not our purpose to "make
something happen" or to start bloodshed. We will not venture
outside the region of our community to strike first, nor will we
fight over material possessions. We will fight only for principles.

We are not vigilantes. It is not our purpose to replace the
police or judicial system. We will not obstruct justice, nor will
we take it into our own hands by forming "lynch mobs." Indeed, as
defenders of the right to a fair trial we will strongly oppose such
injustices. However, members may, at their discretion, make
citizen's arrests and turn criminals over to the police.

We are not criminals. Anyone hoping to use the Free Militia
to perpetrate a violent crime or to extort the citizens of our
community will be sorely disappointed. Free Militia commanders will
cooperate with any police investigations of such corruption and
will turn members over to the police for arrest and trial.

Where is the Free Militia?

The Free Militia's operations are confined in and around the
local community where its members reside. Training may occur in the
countryside, but the Free Militia's membership and organization is
tied to the locality.

Why does the Free Militia exist?

The Free Militia exists because our Constitutional liberties
are systematically under attack by state and federal authorities.
While these threats to our rights have not yet justified armed
conflict, it is apparent that we must act now to organize and train
ourselves for the possible day when a genuine tyranny is
established in the United States by a coup within our government or
invasion from without.

How does the Free Militia hope to succeed?

For the time being, the Free Militia cannot possibly be
capable of fielding a significant fighting force. We are too small
and too isolated to stand up to a professional armed force.
However, we can be an effective and significant fighting force in
the future with the right foresight and preparation now.

For now, our purpose is not to raise a full-scale army but to
put things in motion and prepare to readily do so if and when
circumstances require it.

We can prepare now to develop the framework that can
incorporate large numbers of law-abiding, liberty-loving citizens
if and when a crisis in our government obviously calls for
resistance by the people.

We can spread the word and encourage the forming of
independent Free Militias in other communities.

We can develop a working command structure using our current
members so that a large number of men could be quickly recruited,
trained, and organized for combat. For example, an existing command
structure of 100-200 men could readily integrate and lead 600-1200
men later on.

We can develop, perfect, and implement effective training
methods, contingency plans, and communications systems for
defending our community and liberties in a time of crisis.

We can develop and disseminate political and ideological
arguments for freedom to prepare the way for cultivating favorable
attitudes among our neighbors and fellow citizens.

We can stockpile the equipment necessary to outfit a militia
that the masses of recruits will not likely have available to them
when we face a "crunch." (For instance, they may have guns but not
radios.)

We can identify potential minutemen by looking for
sympathetic citizens armed with weapons, or with military
experience, or with special skills and equipment.

If worse comes to worse, and we cannot actively recruit
after a crisis has developed, we can at least act as an effective
underground or guerilla movement to harass the efforts of a
tyrannical enemy.

2.1.2 Your duties in the Free Militia

If and when you decide to commit yourself to the Free Militia,
you will be required to take an oath. No certificates will be
signed. No centralized list will be maintained with your name on
it. However, you must take the oath in the presence of those men
who will be in your immediate combat unit (called a cell). They are
the ones that need to know you mean business since they are the
ones who will be depending on you.

The oath you will have to take embodies your main duties to
the Militia and is worded as follows:

"I, __________________, promise to defend and observe the
Constitutional liberties embodied in the Bill of Rights for all
American citizens by example, persuasion, and force of arms if
necessary. To that end, I intend to arm myself, I voluntarily join
the Free Militia, and I agree to obey its commanders — to the
extent that my conscience allows — for the duration of my service
in the Militia and I pledge never to willfully betray the Militia's
principles, members, or tactics."

It is important that you know explicitly what this means so
let me comment on each clause.

"I, ____________________, promise to defend and observe."
You are not only committing to militarily defend the Constitution,
but to observe it as well. Thus you are pledging not to violate the
personal liberties of other citizens (whether civilians or enemies)
in order to defend the Constitution. The ends do not justify the
means. We must conduct ourselves by the same principles we seek to
uphold.

"The Constitutional liberties embodied in the Bill of
Rights." While we are interested in the entirety of the
Constitution, it is the Bill of Rights and the liberties therein
that you are pledging to defend. You will not be expected to fight
for peripheral issues or causes.

"For all American citizens." Again, you are not motivated
by personal gain or selfishness. You are committing to defend an
idea, not to defend your own rights, per se. Hence you must be
willing to recognize the rights of all American citizens. This
means that you will not ignore violations of others' rights and
will be willing to defend them as well as your own. It also means
you will not violate their rights by acting as a vigilante
(contrary to their legal rights) or by looting (contrary to their
property rights). The only "looting" that will be permitted is the
confiscation of weapons and munitions from prisoners and casualties
in actual combat.

"By example, persuasion, and force of arms if necessary."
You must be an example by observing the rights of others and
leading an upright life as a law-abiding citizen. You must be
persuasive by recruiting people to our cause (if not the Militia
itself) within the guidelines of our recruiting procedures. And, of
course, you may someday be called upon to stand up and fight for
what you believe in.

"To that end, I intend to arm myself." The Free Militia has
no tax base or authority to impose taxes. We must therefore fund
ourselves. The most equitable and practical method of doing so is
for each man to purchase the necessary equipment for outfitting
himself. Details of what is involved in this self-arming are
included in Section 2.2.

"I voluntarily join the Free Militia." It is assumed that
you are joining of your own volition and not out of coercion. You
must also realize that as a volunteer organization there is no
compensation or salary for your work other than the satisfaction of
standing up for what is right.

"And I agree to obey its commanders." No military
organization or operation can survive or succeed without discipline
and obedience. The Free Militia is no exception. So you are
pledging to obey your superiors in all matters pertaining to
organization, training, secrecy, and actual tactical combat.
Particularly, you will be expected to adhere to the Free Militia's
rules of engagement which ensure decent behavior towards your
comrades, civilians, and the potential enemy. Section 2.3.4 has
more on the lines and limits of authority in the Free Militia.

"To the extent that my conscience allows." We expect that
you will conduct yourself according to the highest standards of
honesty and integrity. We also expect you to be guided by the
Constitution above your superiors. The commanders of the Free
Militia are no more above Constitutional principles than our
elected officials. Accordingly, you are not pledging to blindly
obey your leaders no matter what. You are permitted and even
expected to disobey any orders that are biblically immoral or
Constitutionally illegal. Again, refer to Section 2.3.4 on lines
and limits of authority in the Free Militia.

"For the duration of my service in the Militia." We also
realize that you cannot and should not commit yourself to the
Militia indefinitely. If you happen to move, become disabled, or
simply lose the will to resist, you are free to make your exit at
any time. (After all, we cannot enslave people to fight for
liberty!) However, you are expected to give reasonable notice of
any departure so as to give time for you to be debriefed and for
your cell to reorganize. Under normal circumstances, a two-week
notice is sufficient. During an "alert" a month may be needed
depending on the judgment of your superiors. Under times of
mobilization we will simply have to take departures on a case-by-
case basis, but it is hoped that you will not leave under such
circumstances since doing so may endanger both you and those you
serve with.

"And I pledge never to willfully betray." Your obligation
does not end with resignation. Your commitment to actively serving
in the Free Militia is limited and contingent on your continued
desire to do so. Your loyalty to the Free Militia must be
unreserved and unending.

"The Militia's principles, members, or tactics."
Particularly, there are three things you must never betray, even
after you decide to leave the Militia. In your heart you must
always remain committed to the Constitutional liberties that we
seek to defend. In your actions, you must never inform on the
identities of those in the Militia nor on the plans and tactics of
the Militia by adhering to the rules of secrecy and security in the
Free Militia (see Section 2.4).

Hopefully you understand both what is expected of you and why
it is important. I believe that everything we are asking you to
pledge yourself to is biblically moral, Constitutionally proper,
and tactically necessary. Hopefully you are also willing to take
this oath and join the Free Militia. But take time to think about
it and be sure of your commitment before you join. The decision is
a heavy one and should not be taken lightly.

2.1.3 Alert and mobilization of the Free Militia

Precisely when will the Free Militia commit itself to fight?
This question can be answered best by stating the conditions that
will result in the Militia being alerted or mobilized. Under usual
conditions, minutemen in the Free Militia lead normal, private
lives interrupted only by occasional cell meetings for training and
other preparations. However,

An alert is a level of readiness that is not convenient in
everyday life. Mobilization is a level of readiness totally
incompatible with daily life.

While the details of our procedures for alerts and
mobilizations must remain confidential for now (you are not yet a
member of the Militia), we can give you some examples of what would
transpire under these conditions. For an alert, a prearranged
system of notification is used to contact all minutemen. They
continue to lead their lives by going to work, attending church,
shopping, and keeping appointments. However, the frequency of
contact among cell members is stepped up and certain preparations
are taken individually. For instance, rifle magazines that are
normally left empty are loaded and then packed in their pouches.
Uniforms and gear are made readily accessible by hanging them in
convenient order in your closet.

For a mobilization, developments are serious enough that
normal life is interrupted. You do not simply keep gear and weapons
handy, you actually wear them. You do not simply keep in contact
with your cell, you gather together with them. Under mobilization
you take all the steps possible to prepare yourself and brace
yourself for actual combat with an emerging enemy.

Now the Free Militia may go on alert or mobilize under any
number of unforeseen scenarios. However, alerts and mobilizations
will be called for automatically under the four following
conditions.

An alert will be sounded whenever any member of the Free
Militia is arrested or killed under circumstances suggesting that
his fate was related to his involvement in the Free Militia. The
alert will be upgraded to mobilization if it is confirmed that
portions or the rest of the Free Militia is at risk.

An alert will also go out whenever we discover that there
has been an infusion in our community by state or federal law
enforcement officers who are working independently of the local
police. This alert will be upgraded to mobilization if it is
confirmed that the infusion is a precursor to operations against
the Free Militia or its allies (i.e., house-to-house searches, gun
confiscation, widespread arrests, etc.).

We will mobilize whenever any constitutional right to
keep and bear arms, privacy, or fair trial is being infringed by
laws that are actively and widely enforced in our area. For
instance, house-to-house searches or waiving of all trials by jury
in other communities will cause us to prepare for similar measures
in our community.

We will mobilize if and when there is an invasion of the
United States by a foreign power or an attempted overthrow of our
constitutional government.

Please be assured that mobilization does not necessarily mean
we will fight. It only means that we are ready to fight if we are
forced to do so.

2.1.4 Can we win an armed conflict?

Suppose you join us. Suppose we mobilize. Can we win? The
enemy police and military forces under the control of a growing
autocratic government will have and wield great might. So how can
we stand against such a powerful foe? To some extent, whether we
win or not is immaterial. If we are right, our duty is to resist
whether or not success is likely. But we can win! Initially, the
potential enemy will be greater in numbers, have superior
firepower, better training, more equipment, and closer
coordination. But we have three things in our favor that they do
not have: the people, our own advantages, and a cause.

The people

Notice I said initially they will be greater in
numbers. This is because most Americans are dull to the things
happening around them and don't have a clue to their Constitutional
rights and liberties. But there will come a time when the Leviathan
State will show its true colors and cross a line that even the
average citizen will recognize as threatening. At that time, men
willing to fight will come out of the woodwork.

And remember, there are between 100 and 200 million firearms
in the hands of private citizens of this country. These are in the
hands of people who, almost by definition, would side with the
Constitution rather than the government in a struggle. (The
possession of firearms tends to either result from or result in a
person favoring gun rights as well as a healthy distrust of the
federal government when it seeks to take them away.) Moreover, all
of the armed forces and local law enforcement agencies are sworn to
defend the Constitution and many soldiers and officers love their
personal liberties. So it would not be long until we are the ones
with superior numbers and perhaps even superior firepower.

The very acts by the government that will cause the Free
Militia to rise up will also arouse the general public to resist
and seek skilled leadership.

In the meantime, our inferior numbers do not have to spell
defeat. It is said that just prior to World War I, Kaiser Wilhelm
of Germany visited Switzerland and reviewed some of its troops. Of
course, Germany's army was much larger than little Switzerland's.
So while the proud Kaiser was reviewing the troops, he stopped to
talk to one of the enlisted men: "I am impressed. You are well
disciplined and well trained. But what could you possibly do if
Germany attacked you with forces twice yours in number?" The
enlisted man boldly replied, "I suppose, sir, that we would have to
shoot twice!" Switzerland was never attacked due to its neutrality,
mountainous terrain, preparedness, and the confidence to resist
exemplified by this one soldier. The fact is that superior numbers
can be defeated!

Corresponding advantages

This leads us to the next issue. It
is true that the potential enemy will have serious advantages. But
they do not have all the advantages. For just about any strength
that they have, the Free Militia will have a corresponding
strength. These balancing factors should be sufficient to tide the
Free Militia over until the tables are turned and we have the
advantage of numbers. Some of these advantages which will
counteract the advantages of the potential enemy are as follows.

Superior numbers. Initially the enemy will probably have
greater numbers of troops since they can commit whole military
units and police forces to the field. But many such men have had
exposure to liberties and cannot all be counted on to obey and
fight. This will cause division, uncertainty, and poor morale
within enemy ranks.

Superior dependability. Consisting of patriotic volunteers,
the Free Militia should be able to count on every one of its men.
Few men in our ranks will refuse to fight on conscientious grounds,
nor are they likely to desert or betray their leaders, comrades, or
tactics since they are committed to the cause.

Superior training. Clearly potential enemy forces will be
better prepared technically and have more perfected skills in
combat since they are, for the most part, professionals. But,
again, it is uncertain how prepared they will be psychologically to
turn their weapons on American citizens.

Superior motivation. Consisting of volunteers, the Free
Militia must expect to have inferior training since its member also
lead private lives. But since the Free Militia consists of patriots
we should be able to expect higher motivation to fight and win an
armed conflict.

Superior firepower. Being equipped by the government, any
potential enemy will have tremendous firepower at their disposal.
But much of this firepower is useless unless they are willing to
inflict great casualties and material destruction on innocent
bystanders and their property.

Superior concealment. We may not be armed with automatic
weapons, aircraft, or armored vehicles. But we will have the
advantage of being well concealed and fortified within the friendly
and familiar territory. They enemy will have to expose themselves
to use their firepower.

Superior mobility. No doubt an enemy will not only have the
capability of moving quickly on the ground in motor vehicles, but
they will have and use airplanes and helicopters to quickly insert
troops, strike, and leave prior to an effective counterattack by
us.

Superior knowledge of terrain. We may not be able to move
quickly, but we will know where we are and where we're going. The
Free Militia will be intimately familiar with terrain in and out of
our town because we will be fighting in our element.

Superior surveillance. The capability of the enemy to spy on
our positions will be enhanced by their technology. They may have
night vision equipment, wire-tapping capabilities, infrared
scanning viewers, and other means of eavesdropping or looking in on
us.

Superior intelligence. While those of us in the Free Militia
may not have access to or be able to afford expensive technology,
we will have the people on our side. Virtually every liberty-loving
civilian is a potential spotter, observer, or spy.

Superior supplies. A potential enemy will probably have
unlimited supplies of ammunition, food, water, and fuel. But they
will have to depend on these supplies being transported over long
distances since local supplies will be unreliable.

Superior logistics. While we may have to live with limited
supplies, our supplies and quarters will be close by since we will
be fighting close to home. We will also be able to depend on
friendly neighbors to supply us with food and water.

Superior communication. The potential enemy will be well
outfitted with effective radio equipment and will be able to
coordinate most or all of their forces simultaneously. But they
will have to have definite targets to coordinate themselves
against.

Superior improvisation. The Free Militia can thwart the enemy
by providing an elusive target that is difficult to trap or
systematically attack. Moreover, our units will be organized and
trained to improvise and act independently.

We have a cause!

Many people think that "might makes right." In other words, it
is presumed that whoever wins a war is justified in dictating the
terms of peace. In fact, RIGHT MAKES MIGHT! Being in the right and
knowing it energizes resistance and gives a strength of resolve
largely absent among those who fight for the selfish motives of
mere survival or personal gain.

The drafted soldier is motivated to survive until his tour of
duty is up. The career soldier is motivated by promotions in rank
and higher salaries. The patriotic volunteer is motivated to win
for the sake of a higher cause.

All three types of motivation will cause a man to fight tooth
and nail when he has to fight. But one motivated by survival only
"has" to fight when he is convinced that fighting is less hazardous
than disobeying his superiors. He will hold back to avoid risks. He
will not go beyond the call of duty. The career of soldier only
"has" to fight to the extent needed to gain recognition. His
boldness will be tempered by the desire to live and enjoy the
promotions and benefits he seeks. But while the patriot will not
desire to risk or sacrifice his life in vain, he "has" to fight to
win. He will be willing to go beyond the call of duty because he is
energized by an idea, not by self-preservation or selfish ambition.

So the most critical thing on our side is principle. We are
right, we are justified, we have a cause. Never underestimate the
power of ideology.

Patrick Henry said: "...millions of people armed in the holy
cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess,
are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us....
The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone: it is to the vigilant,
the active, the brave."

Major H. von Dach of the Swiss Army wrote: "The military
expert who undervalues or even disregards guerrilla warfare makes
a mistake since he does not take into consideration the strength of
the heart" (Total Resistance, Paladin Press, 1965, p. 173).

The U.S. Army field manual on suppressing guerrillas states:
"All troops committed to operations against irregular forces must
be trained to appreciate the effectiveness of irregular forces....
Troops must be indoctrinated never to underrate guerrillas. To look
down on guerrilla forces as inferior, poorly equipped opponents
breeds carelessness which can result in severe losses" (FM 31-15,
Irregular Forces, 1961, p. 46).

Are you vigilant, active, and brave? Do you have a strong
heart? If you do, then join us! Take the oath of office and arm
yourself. You will be enlisting with a small but determined group
that is resolved to make a difference in protecting our precious
liberties. Barry Goldwater was the 1964 Republican nominee for
president. As he aptly said, "I would remind you that extremism in
the defense of liberty is no vise and let me remind you also that
moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."

2.1.5 Discussion questions

Do you have any questions about what the Free Militia is or
what it stands for? What are they?

Do you have any questions about our strategy of not raising an
army but building the structure or framework to organize, train,
and lead one?

The Free Militia oath of office reads as follows: "I,
___________________, promise to defend and observe the
Constitutional liberties embodied in the Bill of Rights for all
American citizens by example, persuasion, and force of arms if
necessary. To that end, I intend to arm myself, I voluntarily join
the Free Militia, and I agree to obey its commanders -- to the
extent that my conscience allows -- for the duration of my service
in the Militia and I pledge never to willfully betray the Militia's
principles, members, or tactics." Do you have any questions about what this oath means or what
might be expected of you if you join the Free Militia? If so, what
are they?

Do you have any reservations about making the commitments
outlined in the oath of office? If so, what are they?

In your own words, describe the difference between an alert
and a mobilization of the Free Militia.

Take a look at the four reasons given for alert and
mobilization in this section. Why do you think it is important to
take unusual measures to ready and prepare ourselves under these
conditions?

What are your feelings about the "risks" of participating in
the Free Militia either under peaceful circumstances or times of
combat?

Do you believe that the Free Militia will be capable of
holding its own during (or even being victorious in) potential
armed conflict? Why or why not? What conditions would have to
change to make victory possible or probable? How would or could
your own participation in the Free Militia contribute to those
favorable conditions and ultimate victory?

One of the rules of warfare is that "anything you do can get
you shot, including nothing." If a genuine tyranny was imposed in
the United States, you could remain a civilian, minding his own
business, or become an armed combatant. Which way would you be more
threatened? More of a threat?

Personal questions

Note: Answers to the following questions will help determine
your fitness for service in the Militia in terms of loyalty and
dependability. No space is given to write answers down because no
records should or will be kept on your responses. They are strictly
for discussion between you and your sponsor. Any notes he may take
are only for discussion with his immediate superior and will be
destroyed after said discussion.

How physically fit are you in terms of strength, stamina, and
health?

Do you have any disabilities which might hinder your physical
ability to serve in the Militia such as epilepsy, asthma, poor
eyesight, etc.?

Have you ever been an alcoholic, a heavy drinker, a drug
users, or a drug addict? If so, how long have you been free of
substance abuse?

Have you ever attempted suicide, battled severe depression, or
suffered any other mental illness? Describe the times and
circumstances.

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime other than
traffic violations? Again, describe the times and the
circumstances.

How nosey, talkative, and trustworthy is your wife? Can she
keep a secret?

Can you name one or two references, besides your sponsor and
known by your sponsor, who can vouch for your integrity,
dependability, and stability?

What are your reasons for desiring to enlist in the Free
Militia?

Main ideas of this section

The Free Militia is an independent, organized group of private
citizens who are armed and ready to fight for their Constitutional
rights and liberties.

For now, our purpose is not to raise a full-scale army but to
put things in motion and prepare to readily do so if and when
circumstances require it.

An alert is a level of readiness that is not convenient in
everyday life. Mobilization is a level of readiness totally
incompatible with daily life.

The very acts by the government that will cause the Free
Militia to rise up will also arouse the general public to resist
and seek skilled leadership.

The drafted soldier is motivated to survive until his tour of
duty is up. The career soldier is motivated by promotions in rank
and higher salaries. The patriotic volunteer is motivated to win
for the sake of a higher cause.